Drawings of the wonderful Pierre-Joseph Redoute to fulfill her fantasies on paper and reflect her collection of roses in her greenhouses. Future Josephines-to-be outside the musee Luxembourg getting into shape.

Thanks for this, Carol. What a fascinating woman! I think my husband has read anything ever written on Napoleon. He admires him greatly. Not his megalomania certainly, but his military tactics and the life he made for himself. Have preordered Kate Williams book on US Amazon, being released Nov. 4 - yikes!

So glad you are posting even with a broken leg. I haven't had a broken leg but I have had 2 total knee replacements. 6 weeks does seem to be the magic number of days it takes our bodies to heal and then it's time for rehab. Take the time to paint lots of your fabulous still life paintings and scenes from all your wonderful photos. It will go quickly if you stay busy.

Thinking of you today, Carol! Merci for the advanced notice of new book about Josephine! I really would like to learn more about her life. I have visited Fontainebleau and saw her bedroom there.

My instructions when I had my cast was NOT to stick anything down inside it to scratch BECAUSE our skin would be dry and sensitive. I had regular 2-week visits with Dr. and each time my cast was taken off (oooh - it felt wonderful to have my wrist and forearm free - if only for minutes!) for xrays, viewing by Dr. and then a new oftentimes smaller, lighter cast was put on - but mine was wrist break. Now is velcro/foam removable brace (5 weeks from break). Time did go by quickly. Keep smiling...you have many friends wishing we could be there for you and many who must be there for you, too.

Today's post is absolutely glorious!THANK YOU!Malmaison is her masterpiece.Though I've seen Josephine's bedrooms,gowns(those shoes!) and her roses(Redoute drawings are favorites of mine,too) I didn't fully realize what an incredible woman she was.Speaking of incredible,Carol, that word describes you!Your spirit is an inspiration for the rest of us!

Tastemaker and style lover that she was, I think she would love you!Perfect subject to write about to help you get back on your feet ! After your ankle break, it's a good sign ! I know that for your recovery time, you're going to do it in style..... Her legacy reverberates! Thanks Carol

LEGBroken leg not ankleFractured fibula to be exact. One would like ones break to be correct...ahem.I dont have a snow ball's chance of coming close to Josie. No way. She lead the pack. Brill woman but thanks anyway.

I have a book here ...somewhere ..letters from Josephine or Letters from napoleon..think it's Josephine..now I will be searching like a madwoman..old book..my mom's..I am guessing..Your art:)Always a breath of fresh air at the beginning of your posts:)

Look at you with a FRACTURED FIBULA...still feeding our hunger for anything relating to Paris.Would it be bad form to ask how this happened.It seems like it would have to be a bad fall.I cringe as I think about it.You don't have to answer.I love your posts and your spirit.Cyndi

Gorgeous post. Maybe the shoes were actually cold weather boots. Looks like fur around the opening at the top. I am assuming you collected this info from your resting spot at home. Your watercolor is fantastic! I'm sure Marie Rose would have loved it!

Love the post. I think Jackie Kennedy really emulated her, Diane de Poitiers and other French faves. Carol, so sorry about your leg, I've also had a break and went through that with the UCSF Sports Medicine practice. Can't emphasize enough the difference optimal NUTRITION makes. Google 'best nutrition for bone fractures" etc....and cut paste whatever it is you'll really like and eat and then cut all else out. I can tell you IT WORKS. I'm health oriented and daily exercise. But it's particular diet you need. I didn't start mine til late into bone break when getting frustrated--lived in San Francisco--you can imagine hobbling the hills on crutches. Do check it out. I tried to cut and paste here but was too long and wouldn't let me. All best. Hugs.

No edit button! Removed to change PS: They usually don't tell you that if not healing apace, then start mentioning "surgery" which happened 5 frustrating weeks or so into break. That's when started specific broken bone nutrition and taking fizzy calcium as absorbs more readily into system. Look into Flower Essence practitioner, too if possible. If good, they are true miracle workers. On the bright side, lucky you didn't crack your noggin'....Keep your leg and spirits up. We're all sending you healing thoughts...

Bonjour Carol. I have been away from months; I return and find out you broke your leg? Still, you manage to report on your blog and cover Josephine's life with excellent photos and a good story. Kuddos. Hope all is well in Paris. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

ParisBreakfast Letters

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5. I'm still at it on l'Ile Saint-Louis In Paris. Subscribe to my watercolor Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a Parisian souvenir in your mailbox every month. Savor with a hot chocolate and croissant.
I paint Paris dreams.